Echo readers pay tribute to man who died in fall from Wearmouth Bridge

Debra Fox

It was sadly reported yesterday that a man lost his life after falling from Sunderland’s Wearmouth Bridge.

The story touched the hearts of hundreds of readers across Wearside, with many of you sharing kind words and thoughts with us on social media.

Here, we publish some of your messages to the man, and his family.

Paul Noble: “I drove past earlier. Poor soul. RIP.”

Emma Brewster: “RIP. Shame there isn’t enough support for people. My dad took his own life and every time I read stories like this it takes me back to the day I received the news from a police officer. It doesn’t just stop with the victim it effects everyone. So so sad.”

Doreen Thompson: “My lovely grandson alerted the police ambulance and fire brigade. He ran like mad to try talk man down he’s devastated .Who ever it was hope he’s found peace may he RIP.”

Angela Smith: “I saw this man this afternoon sitting on the bridge while police officers were trying to talk him down, when I came back over the bridge the emergency services had gone so I wrongly assumed he had come down, very sad to discover the very sad outcome! RIP.”

Dan Murphy: “RIP gutted no one could give you help you needed.”

Emily Robson: “Seen the man sitting on the bridge talking to a police officer, to then find out he had jumped a couple of hours later. Aw the poor soul. Rest in peace. Shine bright.”

Foivos Papastaikoudis: “There is no space for lament but there is always room for improvement. In fact, mental health issues should not be overlooked. RIP poor bloke.”

Debbie Hannah: “Absolutely heartbreaking, something needs to be done to help people with mental health issues, the biggest suicide rate is young men so if that is known why isn’t more being done to help? RIP fella.”

Ian Smith: You can suffer from anxiety and depression all your life yet it can be invisible to the closest person to you. Mental health still has a stigma attached to it and that’s sad RIP whoever you are.”

Christine Mellors: “RIP losing my son to that same bridge I know its a start of the worst nightmare for the poor family stay strong.”

Sue Hughes: “So very sad. This man should of had the help he needed, you have to be on the bottom to do something like this. There’s just no help for people. RIP my prayers are with your family at this very sad time.”

Wendy Coyles: “So so sad, we never know what’s happening to make these people do this.”

Michelle Drysdale: “RIP poor, poor man and to his poor family, my heart goes out to you at this very sad time.”

Caroline Liddle: “So so sad mental health can hit anyone at anytime in their lives don’t underestimate the mind so so sad. Thoughts are with the family.”

Chelsea Paige Hulsmeier: “Such a sad loss. It’s hard to see how people are effected by mental health issues, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. More needs to be done to help people with mental health issues, as well as continued support it’s not a quick fix. There are too many people who suffer in silence.”